Could Nigeria’s partnership with BRICS constitute a threat to the UN, others?
Bola Abiola – NewsCloud, Lagos.
In a historic move in recent time, Nigeria has officially joined the BRICS alliance as a partner country, marking a significant step toward enhanced global collaboration and economic opportunity. This announcement was made at the recent BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, where BRICS revealed its expansion to include 13 new partner nations. These nations include Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
BRICS, originally founded by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009 and later joined by South Africa in 2010, is an economic bloc that represents some of the world’s fastest-growing emerging economies. The group has expanded further in recent years, welcoming Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as full members in addition to the new partner countries. This year’s summit, the 16th of its kind, was themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security,” emphasizing the bloc’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic development and collaborative global security measures.
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Nigeria’s inclusion in BRICS as a partner nation aligns with statements made in November 2023 by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar. Tuggar had previously expressed Nigeria’s intent to pursue full membership status within the next two years, highlighting Nigeria’s strong economy, vast natural resources, and large population as key assets for contributing to the alliance.
As a partner country in BRICS, Nigeria stands to gain several strategic benefits. The alliance offers enhanced trade and investment opportunities with member nations, many of which are pivotal players in global markets. Nigeria’s partnership opens doors to stronger economic ties, increased foreign investment, and potential collaborations in technology, infrastructure, and energy—sectors that are crucial for Nigeria’s development. Additionally, Nigeria gains a platform for amplifying its voice on global issues such as fair trade, climate change, and sustainable development, positioning itself as a key player in shaping policies that affect emerging economies.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s alliance with BRICS provides potential financial stability by offering alternatives to traditional financial institutions, which could prove advantageous amid global economic uncertainties. Partnering with BRICS also bolsters Nigeria’s geopolitical influence, giving it more leverage to negotiate on issues of security and development.
However, Nigeria’s role as a partner, rather than a full member, limits its voting power and decision-making influence within BRICS. Additionally, Nigeria’s increased alignment with BRICS might complicate its relations with Western allies, potentially affecting trade agreements and foreign aid. Another challenge is the expectation of economic reforms and policy alignment with BRICS countries, which could place pressure on Nigeria’s domestic industries and financial regulations.
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Nigeria Seeks Permanent Seat at United Nations, Citing Africa’s Need for Greater Global Influence
You can recall that, recently, in a bold bid to reshape the global power structure, Nigeria has reiterated its request for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, advocating for Africa’s fair representation on the global stage. This announcement was made by Nigerian officials during recent UN General Assembly meetings in New York, where calls for reforming the Security Council have gained new momentum.
Nigeria’s case is based on the premise that Africa, with its 54 countries and over a billion people, remains underrepresented in UN decision-making, especially on the powerful Security Council, which currently has only five permanent members: the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia. These countries wield veto power, allowing them to block resolutions even when the majority of UN members are in favor.
The Nigerian government argues that Africa’s growing economic significance, young population, and pivotal role in addressing global challenges like climate change, terrorism, and migration make it essential for the continent to have a voice in Security Council decisions. Nigeria, being one of the largest economies in Africa, a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, and a leader within the African Union, is positioning itself as a candidate to represent Africa permanently on the council.
Nigeria’s bid has received support from several African nations and influential leaders worldwide who agree that the current UN structure does not reflect the world’s evolving geopolitical realities. Nigerian officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, have also highlighted that Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership undermines the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the UN’s decisions.
However, achieving permanent membership on the Security Council will not be easy. Proposed reforms require approval by two-thirds of the UN General Assembly and consent from all five current permanent members. Historically, attempts to change the structure of the Security Council have faced resistance, especially regarding the expansion of veto powers.
As Nigeria advances in its relationship with BRICS, having recently joined the bloc as a partner nation, the question arises: Could a full membership impact its existing role and commitments within the United Nations? With BRICS aiming to provide an alternative power structure to Western-dominated alliances, the bloc’s influence has grown significantly. For Nigeria, balancing its potential full BRICS membership with its longstanding involvement in the UN—particularly as an ally to Western nations like the United States—could be a delicate but crucial task.
BRICS Membership and UN Commitments: Compatible or Conflict?
Nigeria’s participation in the UN is fundamental to its global presence. As one of Africa’s largest economies and most active peacekeeping contributors, Nigeria is a leading voice on the continent’s issues and is seen as a stabilizing force within the UN. Nigeria’s longstanding relationships with Western nations, particularly the United States and European Union members, have reinforced its influence within the UN framework. These alliances have helped Nigeria secure economic aid, military support, and diplomatic backing on various international fronts.
However, a full membership in BRICS may introduce complexities. BRICS, led by countries such as Russia and China, has openly challenged Western dominance and advocated for a multipolar world, often clashing with U.S.-led policies. This divergence in vision could create a subtle conflict for Nigeria, particularly as it seeks to preserve its relationships with the U.S. and Western allies. As BRICS continues to develop its influence, Nigeria’s position could risk friction with nations that perceive BRICS as a threat to the established global order.
Potential Benefits for Nigeria
Despite these concerns, full BRICS membership offers Nigeria valuable economic and diplomatic benefits. Joining BRICS as a full member could provide Nigeria with access to alternative financing through the BRICS New Development Bank, strengthening its economy by reducing dependency on Western financial institutions. Additionally, Nigeria could benefit from BRICS-driven trade initiatives, technology transfers, and infrastructure partnerships. As BRICS expands its footprint in Africa, Nigeria’s role as a full member could position it as a gateway for economic investment and collaboration on the continent.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s inclusion would amplify its voice on global issues like debt relief, fair trade, and climate change—issues that directly impact emerging economies. This would allow Nigeria to advocate for African interests more forcefully within a global bloc that aligns with the continent’s developmental aspirations.
Could Full Membership Constitute a Threat to U.N. Interests?
From the United States’ perspective, Nigeria’s closer alliance with BRICS could be perceived as a shift toward an alternative power structure, raising questions about Nigeria’s loyalty to Western principles. The U.S. and its allies might view Nigeria’s full BRICS membership as part of a growing movement that seeks to challenge Western economic influence and leadership on issues of global security, technology, and governance.
This perceived alignment could impact Nigeria’s relationship with the U.S., potentially affecting aid packages, trade agreements, and diplomatic support on international platforms. However, Nigeria’s potential dual alignment—with BRICS for economic opportunity and with the UN and Western alliances for diplomacy and stability—might also serve as a bridge between competing blocs, fostering dialogue and collaboration.
What do you think about Nigeria’s decision to join BRICS as a partner country whilst maintaining relationships with other global powers and organizations?
Share your thoughts and let us know if you believe this move will benefit Nigeria’s economy and global standing!
